TrungNamHai Hotels

Airport Transportation

It is a 45-60 minute ride to the center of Hanoi. Taxis at the airport offer safe transportation at a cost of about 18 USD (for 4-seated car). There are two reputable taxis available at the airport: Airport Taxi (04 83886666) and Noi Bai Taxi airport to Hanoi, toll included). It is better for you to book our hotel' car and driver. Our hotel has a service to pick up guests (It is a new car with A/C). Please, check the price of our taxi-pickup service on our hotel website:
http://www.trungnamhaihotel.com/en/hanoi-hotels-1-rooms-rate.html

Climate and Clothing

In Hanoi, February is the middle of the winter season and average daily temperature range between 55-68 F with about 40% humidity. While day-time temperatures in Hanoi can be mild at this time of year, you may want to pack a sweater or light jacket for early morning and evenings. June, July and August are hot with daytime temperature between 92-97 F with high humidity, comfortable, lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most suitable for Vietnam.

The voltage in Hanoi is 220 volts, 50 Hz, but is unstable. Wall outlets take the continental European type, with two round plugs. Please, remember to bring adaptor. Some hotels will provide them as long as their supply lasts.

Etiquette

- Observing the following, local customs will help keep you from embarrassing yourself with the Vietnamese.

- Crossing your index and middle finger (our way of wishing good luck) is considered to be a lewd gesture.

- Touching someone, especially on the head, is not welcomed.

- Monitoring for someone to come with your palm up is considered rude.

- Sticking a pair of chopsticks vertically in a bowl is considered bad luck

- No matter what your line of work is, there is one thing that no businessperson in Vietnam can do without: name cards. When it comes time to give them out, use both hands – it is more respectful. Accept incoming name cards with both hands as well

Getting round

Taxi: Taxis are readily available and inexpensive. You can get to most places within the downtown area for about $US1.00-5.00. Ask a hotel doorman to give the driver the name/location of your destination, or simply hand the driver a business card from your destination.

To help keep you safe, the following are some safety and security tips to keep in mind:

- Try to use the buddy system when taking a late night or early morning taxi

- Hanoi Taxi, CP Taxi or Mai Linh Taxi with meters are the recommended taxi companies. Avoid using taxis that have completely blacked out windows, magnetic signage, and no meter and are otherwise suspicious.

- Take special care and remain aware of your surrounding at all times when using taxis

- Note the name of the taxi company and number of the taxi/ license number (Use your camera phone to snap a shot of the license plate number and/or taxi number).

- Inform a friend or family via phone call or text message of your taxi and trip information to insure someone knows about your trip detail

- The local police emergency number is 113.

- According to the Hanoi Transportation and Public Works Department, they have now more than 5000 taxis in Hanoi and more than 1000 of them are fake taxis. Please, be particularly attentive and avoid being a victim.

Motorbikes:

Motorbike is the most common form of transportation for locals. A helmet law, which is applied to both rider and passenger, was enacted in December 2007. There are many motorbikes shops in Hanoi. On average, a new basic motorbike costs around $1500. In most cases, you will be requested to pay for parking, it costs around 5,000vnd to 10,000 vnd each times.

Xe om (Motorcycle taxi)

Xe om (motorcycle taxi) is widely available in Hanoi. It is an easier way to get from point A to point B at the much cheaper cost. Depending on the distance, the fee starts at 5,000vnd and up for each trip. The key is to make sure to have the Xe Om to agree on the rate before the trip. Nowadays, some Xe Om are even equipped with meters. Xe Om’s normally provide helmet for the passenger. However, if possible, it is recommended to bring your own helmet.

Heath concerns

If you don not have health unit access or you are not covered for medical evacuation under ICASS, it is essential to take out a supplemental medical insurance policy to include evacuation before traveling. Medical facilities are rather limited in Hanoi. Short-term visitors should update the following vaccinations/shots: typhoid, hepatitis A&B, boosters for tetanus-diphtheria, and measles. It is the responsibility of travelers and their sponsoring agencies to be in compliance with medical requirement s prior to arriving to Hanoi

Medical treatment

The international SOS Clinic, Hanoi Family Medical Practice and Hanoi French Hospital are recommended facilities :

. International SOS Clinic 31 Hai Ba Trung Tel: 84-4-39340666

- French hospital No1 Phuong Mai street Tel: 84-4-35741111

- Hanoi Family Medical Clinic 298 I Kim Ma Road Tel: +84-4-38430748

- Peace Dental Clinic Dr. Frederick Abel at 51A Nguyen Khac Hieu Tel: 0904483511

Prescription Medicines:

It is highly recommended to bring sufficient amounts of prescription medications with you during your stay.

Language

Vietnamese is written in a Roman-based script called quoc ngu. Since the Vietnamese language has six different tomes, it is difficult for foreigners to speak. It is best to use business cards to reach your destination or use phrase book or a talking cards as a point and show device

Currency

Vietnam in general is cash based economy. The currency used is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). It comes in denomination of VN 100; 200; 500; 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; 10,000;20,000; 50,000;100,000; 200,000 and 500,000. Since a VND 50,000 note is worth just over $US 3, you have to carry quite a few notes. It is a good idea to keep plenty of 5,000d, 10,000d and 20,000d notes handy for cabs and snacks. USD are also accepted by some taxi drivers and vendors, but you will need VND for most transactions.

Tourists should be advised to check the notes carefully. The right notes should always have the imprinted words `Ngan hang nha nuoc Viet nam` (means `The State bank of Vietnam`) & the picture of the later president Ho Chi Minh. See the fake notes below for your information:

At this writing (October 2011) the exchange rate is $1 US = VND 20,870 (Please check rate on Vietcombank webiste:

http://www.vietcombank.com.vn/exchangerates/

Currency exchange and ATMs

Major foreign currencies are exchangeable at major banks, at your hotel and at ATM machines. ATM machines (such as HSBC and ANZ) are available and a good way to get VND

Credit Cards

While credit cards are accepted at major hotels, they are not widely used for shopping or other transactions and a surcharge of 2-4% may be applied to each transaction.

Crime

Although relatively safe, Hanoi is not crime free. Theft and personal violence is a reality in any large city and normally safety precautions are necessary. Be aware of your environment and minimize the amount of cash, credit cards, jewelry and other valuables and you carry with you, particularly in crowded markets and when traveling on public transportation.

Crossing Streets

Traffic is heavy and chaotic in Hanoi with many motorbikes and few traffic lights.
When crossing streets start walking at a slow pace and continue at the same pace until you reach the other side. Drivers will judge your speed and go around you. Do not go backward or turn around quickly. These actions may confuse drivers and can cause accidents.